Golf shoe with an outsole having a skeletal frame

ABSTRACT

A golf shoe including an upper for protecting a foot, a midsole coupled to the upper for providing cushioning under a wearer&#39;s foot, and an outsole coupled to the midsole for providing structural support. The outsole has a skeletal frame defining a plurality of apertures and a fabric covering the apertures.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to golf shoes and, more particularly, to golf shoes having improved outsoles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically, people first wore shoes to protect their feet. Over the centuries, footwear evolved into many different types that were specific to particular activities. Thus, the protection offered by a cold-weather work boot is highly different from that offered by a running shoe. In addition to protecting the feet, athletic footwear has further developed to offer specific functions dependent on the particular sport. Soccer shoes, for instance, have spikes for traction, whereas cycling shoes have very stiff soles with mounting plates for cleats to engage the pedal.

The game of golf includes long stretches of walking and short moments of swinging a golf club to hit a golf ball. Golf shoes need to provide sufficient stability and support for the golfer. Thus, many golf shoes include a relatively rigid material such as thermoplastic polyurethane. The plastic material helps provide stiffness and rigidity to the shoe.

At the same time, the golf shoe needs to have sufficient flexibility and should be constructed so that the shoe is not overly rigid. The foot needs to bend during walking and when swinging the golf club. A rigid shoe will require increased physical effort to bend in order to walk, and can lead to a clunky gait and/or cause blisters and other foot problems. The golf shoe industry has looked at different ways for improving the flexibility of the shoe, while maintaining high stability and support.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,895,773 to Robinson, Jr. et al. discloses a golf shoe comprising an upper, a midsole, and an outsole, wherein a collapsible support element is positioned in a recess of the outsole and close to the first metatarsal bone of the foot. The collapsible support element comprises a collapsible gel pad encased in thermoplastic urethane, or a single collapsible element, or a series of collapsible elements. The collapsible element is stiffer in a longitudinal direction and more collapsible in a transverse direction. This helps minimize the impact of ground forces when the golfer is walking, and allows for more efficient transfer of energy during a golf swing.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,529 to Robinson, Jr. et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,426 to Erickson et al., disclose golf shoes having an outsole including a forward portion and a rearward portion that are connected by a ball-and-socket connection that allows the portions to move freely. The outsole may include flexible members disposed between discrete pieces of the forward portion to allow these pieces to flex freely. The outsole also may include a pair of stabilizer rods. The outsole allows for individual movement of the foot, particularly, the rotation between the rearfoot and the forefoot. This helps resist torsional instability during play, provides independent traction suspension, and increases the flexibility of the shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,083 to Robinson, Jr. et al. discloses a golf shoe having a two-layered outsole including an outer layer and an inner layer made from thermoplastic compositions. The outer layer forms the bottom of the outsole and has a plurality of first holes at spaced locations therethrough. The inner layer includes a base adjacent one side of the outer layer and a plurality of projections that extend from the base through the first holes in the outer layer, and terminate in a pointed free end. The projections protrude from the bottom of the outsole, and provide traction when the outsole interacts with the ground. The shoe is constructed such that it provides adequate traction during a golf swing and minimizes damage to the turf of golf courses during play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Although some of the above-described shoes have been somewhat effective in providing sufficient rigidity as well as flexibility, there is a need for an improved outsole. The outsole should provide sufficient rigidity without sacrificing flexibility or protection. A person wearing the shoe should be able to walk comfortably and have sufficient support. The shoe should also hold and support the medial and lateral sides of the golfer's foot as they shift their weight when making a shot. There remains a need for a golf shoe that provides a golfer with sufficient traction, comfort, protection and support while also allowing efficient energy transfer when they swing. The outsole is preferably lighter and/or more durable than prior art outsoles.

One embodiment of the subject technology is directed to a golf shoe including an upper for protecting a foot, a midsole coupled to the upper for providing cushioning under a wearer's foot, and an outsole coupled to the midsole for providing structural support. The outsole has a skeletal frame defining a plurality of apertures and a fabric covering the apertures. Preferably, the skeletal frame has a periphery that is generally foot-shaped and includes a first X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in a forefoot portion, a second X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in an arch portion, and a third X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in a heel portion. The skeletal frame can be fabricated from a rigid material and forms a transverse groove for flexibility under a metatarsal area. The skeletal frame can also extend above the midsole and onto the upper to form a heel cup. In one embodiment, the skeletal portion includes a forward portion proximate to a wearer's toes and a rear portion proximate to a wearer's heel, the forward portion having a plurality of first traction elements and the rear portion having a plurality of second traction elements. A plurality of receptacles may be formed in the skeletal frame for attaching and removing a plurality of cleats. Typically, the fabric is a woven fabric, which is puncture resistant and flexible.

Another embodiment of the subject technology is directed to a golf shoe including an upper for protecting a foot, a midsole coupled to the upper for providing cushioning under a wearer's foot, and an outsole coupled to the midsole for providing structural support, the outsole having a skeletal frame defining a plurality of apertures, wherein the skeletal frame is fabricated from a rigid material and forms a transverse groove for flexibility under a metatarsal area. This golf shoe may further include a fabric covering the apertures, wherein the fabric is a puncture resistant, flexible woven fabric. A plurality of receptacles may be in the skeletal frame for attaching and removing a plurality of cleats. The skeletal frame may include a first X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in a forefoot portion, a second X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in an arch portion, and a third X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in a heel portion. The skeletal frame can extend above the midsole and onto the upper to form a heel cup. The midsole can also couple directly to the skeletal frame.

Still another embodiment of the subject technology is a golf shoe including an upper for protecting a foot, a midsole coupled to the upper for providing cushioning under a wearer's foot, and an outsole coupled to the midsole for providing structural support. The outsole has a skeletal frame having a periphery of a foot-shape and defining a plurality of apertures, wherein the apertures are in a range of 20-80% of an area of the skeletal frame, and a fabric completely enclosing the apertures. The skeletal frame can include a first X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in a forefoot portion, a second X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in an arch portion, and a third X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in a heel portion. The skeletal frame can be fabricated from a rigid material. Preferably, the skeletal frame forms a transverse groove for flexibility under a metatarsal area, and extends above the midsole and onto the upper to form a heel cup. Preferably, the fabric is a puncture resistant, woven flexible fabric.

It should be appreciated that the subject technology can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, a method for applications now known and later developed. These and other unique features of the system disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith. In the various views, like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts.

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective exploded view of a golf shoe in accordance with the subject technology.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a golf shoe in accordance with the subject technology.

FIG. 3 is an inner or medial side view of a golf shoe in accordance with the subject technology.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a golf shoe in accordance with the subject technology.

FIG. 5 is an outer or lateral side view of a golf shoe in accordance with the subject technology.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a golf shoe in accordance with the subject technology.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of a golf shoe in accordance with the subject technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject technology improves upon the prior art of golf shoes. The advantages, and other features of the technology disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present technology and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements. All views shown in FIGS. 1-7 are for a left shoe, the components for a right shoe being mirror images thereof. As used herein, “medial edge” refers to the inside peripheral edge of the shoe, generally closest to the other shoe of the user, while “lateral edge” refers to the outside peripheral area of the shoe, generally furthest from the other shoe of the user. The embodiments shown relate to a men's size 9.5 shoe. One skilled in the art would understand that adjustments may be made to the components shown to produce shoes in accordance with the subject technology in other sizes.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a bottom perspective exploded view of a left shoe 100 in accordance with the subject technology is shown. The shoe 100 includes an upper 102, a midsole 104 for joining to the upper 102, and an outsole 106 for joining to the midsole 104. The upper 102 typically secures and protects the foot. The midsole 104 is flexible and provides cushioning for the bottom of a wearer's foot. The outsole 106 has two parts (a skeletal frame 124 and a fabric layer 126) to create rigid stability when needed while still being flexible and lightweight. Further, the outsole 106 provides traction between the shoe 100 and a ground surface.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a top view of the golf shoe 100 is shown. The upper 102 includes an opening 110 for the wearer to insert their left foot. The upper 102 also includes a securement assembly 112 such as grommets 114 and laces 116 for variably fastening the shoe 100 to tune the fit. Once the wearer's foot is inserted, the upper 102 provides a covering for the foot and helps hold the foot securely in place with respect to the other components of the shoe 100.

The upper 102 is usually formed from materials such as leather, synthetic materials, or textiles, or some combination of these that are stitched or adhesively bonded together. The upper 102 can be secured to the midsole 104 by stitching or with cement or other adhesives using an insole board and conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art. The midsole 104 can be formed of materials such as polyurethane and/or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). In one embodiment, the midsole 104 is formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane that is substantially soft, having a hardness of less than 85 Shore A. Preferably, the midsole 104 is formed from an EVA composition preferably having a hardness of less than 70 Shore A. The midsole 104 may be formed on or about the outsole 106, or formed separately and attached with an adhesive or stitching.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7 and in particular FIG. 2, detailed depictions of the outsole 106 are shown. As shown in FIG. 1, the outsole 106 includes a skeletal frame 124 covered with a fabric 126. The skeletal frame 124 is preferably a rigid material whereas the fabric 126 is flexible yet puncture resistant. The skeletal frame 124 provides stiffness and stability to the shoe 100 while the fabric 126 protects the foot. As shown in FIG. 2, the outsole 106 forms a metatarsal portion 134 positioned generally under a wearer's metatarsal bones, an arch portion 136 positioned generally under a wearer's foot arch, and a calcaneus portion 138 positioned generally under a wearer's calcaneus or heel bone.

The skeletal frame 124 has a solid periphery 128 in the shape of a foot. The periphery 128 includes a medial edge 130 running along the inside periphery of the shoe 100 (i.e. for a someone wearing a left shoe, the medial edge 130 would run along the right side of the left shoe). The periphery 128 also has a lateral edge 132 running along the outside peripheral of the shoe 100 (i.e. for a someone wearing a left shoe, the lateral edge 132 would run along the left side of the shoe).

The skeletal frame 124 also has a front toe kick portion 140 to form an unbroken general foot-shape in combination with the medial edge 130 and the lateral edge 132. The metatarsal portion 134 includes ribs 159 that define a first X-shaped portion 142 so that four apertures 144 are formed about the X-shaped portion 142. The metatarsal portion 134 also includes ribs 159 that define a second X-shaped portion 146 surrounded by more apertures 148. The X-shaped portions 142, 146 provide structural support and rigidity while still being flexible. The apertures, 144, 148 reduce the weight of the skeletal frame 124. Additional apertures 150 are formed adjacent the front toe kick portion 134 to further reduce weight. Additional ribs 159 that extend partially or completely across the skeletal frame 124 can be located at different positions, for example, the toe portion 140. The interior surface of the skeletal frame 124 including the apertures 144, 148, 150 is completely covered by the fabric 126. Meanwhile, the exterior surface of the skeletal frame 124 remains exposed and makes contact with the ground when the shoe 100 is worn.

The skeletal frame 124 also defines a transverse flex channel 152 so that the midsole 104 and outsole 106 can flex and bend when a user walks or swings. The flex channel 152 also includes two apertures 154 covered by the fabric 126. The number of X-shaped portions, ribs, flex channels and apertures may vary depending on the desired flexibility of the outsole 106 and size of the shoe 100. Similarly, the depth, width and shape of the X-shaped portions, flex channels and apertures may vary depending on desired flexibility of the outsole 106.

The arch portion 136 includes a relatively large X-shaped portion 156 so that three additional relatively large apertures 158 are formed in the skeletal frame 124. It is noted that one of the apertures 148 (i.e., the rearward most aperture) is between the second X-shaped portion 146 and the large X-shaped portion 156 so that this aperture 148 is effectively shared between the two X-shaped portions 146, 156. The calcaneus portion 138 has a relatively small X-shaped portion 160 so that three additional small apertures 162 are formed. Again, one of the apertures 158 (i.e., the rearward most aperture) is shared between the two X-shaped portions 156, 160. These apertures 158, 162 are also completely covered by the fabric 126 for protection of the wearer's foot.

The skeletal frame 124 also includes a plurality of golf cleats 164. The golf cleats 164 can be selectively attached to receptacles (not explicitly shown). The golf cleats 164 provide traction between the shoe 100 and a ground surface for the user. The skeletal frame 124 also has a series of traction elements 166, which provide additional traction between the shoe 100 and a ground surface. As shown, the traction elements 166 are largely near the front toe kick portion 140 and the calcaneus portion 138. Additional traction elements 166 are formed on the skeletal frame 124. The number, shape and placement of the traction elements 166 can vary greatly but should not interfere with the flexibility of the shoe 100. In one embodiment, the outsole 106 does not have cleats and receptacles. Instead, this embodiment includes additional traction elements, some of which may be cleat-like.

The traction elements 166 are shaped to dig into a ground surface, providing traction between the outsole 106 and the ground surface. The traction elements 166 may be a collection of different shapes such as ovals, squares, hyperrectangle, cylindrical, triangular and the like in various orientations. One skilled in the art would recognize that the traction elements 162 may be or any other shape suitable for providing traction. It is noted that the X-shapes 142, 146, 156, 160 protrude outward to provide additional traction as well as support.

Referring now to in particular to FIGS. 3, 5 and 7, the skeletal frame 124 extends above the midsole 104 and onto the upper 102 to form a heel cup 168. The heel cup 168 helps surround the user's heel so that the natural cushioning present in the user's foot is maintained in a desirable shape to perform the intended function. The heel cup 168 forms three opening 170 again to reduce weight and/or increase flexibility. The medial edge 130, the lateral edge 132, the toe kick portion 140 and the heel cup 168 curve and rise upward so that the skeletal frame 124 cups the midsole 104 and, preferably the upper 102.

The shoe 100 may also have a logo area incorporated into the outsole 106 in addition to a logo area 170 of the upper 102. For example, the logo area may be in the arch portion 136 of the outsole 106 and may include a transparent layer material to protect the logo when the outsole 106 contacts a ground surface and permit visibility of the logo. The logo may be woven or dyed into the fabric 126.

The fabric 126 is preferably glued to the skeletal frame 124. The skeletal frame 124 may be fabricated from materials such as thermoplastic elastomers and particularly thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Other thermoplastic elastomers that can be used in accordance with the subject technology include polyester-polyether block copolymers such as Hytrel® resins, available from DuPont (Wilmington, Del. USA). These block copolymers are available in different grades and contain hard (crystalline) segments of polybutylene terephthalate and soft (amorphous) segments based on long-chain polyether glycols. Polyether-amide block copolymers, for example Pebax® resins that are available from Arkema, Inc. (King of Prussia, Pa. USA), also may be used. Other suitable thermoplastic polymers include, but are not limited to, ethylene acid copolymer ionomers, polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins, polyamides, polyamide-ethers, polyamide-esters; fluoropolymers, polystyrenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polycarbonates, polyethers, and polyimides including homopolymers, copolymers, and modified polymers and blends thereof. The material preferably has elasticity, resistance to abrasion, energy return, minimal weight, toughness (e.g., shock resistance) and flexibility. The fabric 126 should be lightweight yet very puncture resistant, durable and flexible. The fabric 126 is preferably made of high modulus, high-tenacity fibers. For example, the fabric 126 could be made of nylon or polyester fibers, or polyolefin fibes such as high strength Spectra® polyethylene fibers available from Honeywell-Spectra (Colonial Heights, Va., USA), or glass, carbon, or silica fibers, or aramid fibers such as Kevlar® or Nomex® fibers available from DuPont, or ceramic oxide fibers such as Nextel fibers available from 3M (St. Paul, Minn. USA) or silicon carbide and alumina fibers

In one embodiment, the apertures 150, 144, 148, 158, and 162 of the skeletal frame 124 are in a range of area about 20 to about 80% of the total area of the skeletal frame with the fabric 126 completely covering the apertures. Preferably, the apertures are about 40 to about 60% of the total area of the skeletal frame. It is also envisioned that the outsole could be made using just the skeletal frame without any fabric covering some or any of the apertures.

When golfers swing a club, their weight shifts along both the longitudinal axis and between the medial and lateral edges 130, 132 of the outsole 106. When golfers walk, their feet typically move along the longitudinal axis, transferring weight between the heel and the toe. The skeletal frame 124 provides stiffness to the outsole 106 of the shoe 100 which allows for support and stability when a golfer walks, and also during a golfer's swing. The fabric 126 provides protection and puncture resistance from sharp objects. The result is a sturdy, flexible, comfortable, light-weight outsole 106 that provides ample protection. For example, in one embodiment, the skeletal frame 124 and fabric 126 can have a weight in the range of about 50 to about 100 grams, preferably about 60 to about 80 grams. As discussed above, the midsole 104 is normally made of EVA and typically has a weight in the range of about 25 to about 50 grams. Thus, the outsole 106 and midsole 104 can be combined to form a relatively lightweight and durable lower portion of the shoe. The outsole 106 and midsole 104 provide a stable platform for the golfer and yet also has sufficient flexibility so the shoe is easy and comfortable to wear.

All patents, patent applications and other references disclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated in their entireties by reference. While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed herein fulfill the objectives of the present invention, it is appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. It is also envisioned that the subject application could be filed as a design patent application without reference numerals on the figures and a revised specification. Additionally, feature(s) and/or element(s) from any embodiment may be used singly or in combination with feature(s) and/or element(s) from other embodiment(s). Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which would come within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf shoe comprising: an upper for protecting a foot; a midsole coupled to the upper for providing cushioning under a wearer's foot; and an outsole coupled to the midsole for providing structural support, the outsole having: a skeletal frame having interior and exterior surfaces, the frame comprising a plurality of rib members that are joined together to define a plurality of apertures; and a fabric covering the apertures so that the rib members are visible on the exterior surface of the outsole.
 2. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the skeletal frame has a periphery that is generally foot-shaped.
 3. The golf shoe of claim 2, wherein the skeletal frame includes a first X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in a forefoot portion, a second X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in an arch portion, and a third X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in a heel portion.
 4. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the skeletal frame is fabricated from a rigid material and forms a transverse groove for flexibility under a metatarsal area.
 5. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the skeletal frame extends above the midsole and onto the upper to form a heel cup.
 6. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the skeletal portion includes a forward portion proximate to a wearer's toes and a rear portion proximate to a wearer's heel, the forward portion having a plurality of first traction elements and the rear portion having a plurality of second traction elements.
 7. The golf shoe of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of receptacles in the skeletal frame for attaching and removing a plurality of cleats.
 8. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the fabric is a woven fabric.
 9. The golf shoe of claim 8, wherein the fabric is puncture resistant and flexible.
 10. A golf shoe comprising: an upper for protecting a foot; a midsole coupled to the upper for providing cushioning under a wearer's foot; and an outsole coupled to the midsole for providing structural support, the outsole having a skeletal frame having interior and exterior surfaces, the frame comprising a plurality of rib members that are joined together to define a plurality of apertures, wherein the skeletal frame is fabricated from a rigid material and forms a transverse groove for flexibility under a metatarsal area.
 11. The golf shoe of claim 10, further comprising a fabric covering the apertures, wherein the fabric is a puncture resistant, flexible woven fabric.
 12. The golf shoe of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of receptacles in the skeletal frame for attaching and removing a plurality of cleats.
 13. The golf shoe of claim 10, wherein the skeletal frame includes a first X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in a forefoot portion, a second X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in an arch portion, and a third X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in a heel portion.
 14. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the skeletal frame extends above the midsole and onto the upper to form a heel cup.
 15. The golf shoe of claim 10, wherein the midsole couples directly to the skeletal frame.
 16. A golf shoe comprising: an upper for protecting a foot; a midsole coupled to the upper for providing cushioning under a wearer's foot; and an outsole coupled to the midsole for providing structural support, the outsole having: a skeletal frame having a periphery of a foot-shape and having interior and exterior surfaces, the frame comprising a plurality of rib members that are joined together to define a plurality of apertures, wherein the apertures are in a range of about 20 to about 80% of a the total area of the skeletal frame; and a fabric completely enclosing the apertures so that the rib members are visible on the exterior surface of the outsole.
 17. The golf shoe of claim 16, wherein the skeletal frame includes a first X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in a forefoot portion, a second X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in an arch portion, and a third X-shaped portion extending between opposing sides of the periphery in a heel portion.
 18. The golf shoe of claim 17, wherein the first X-shaped portion, the second X-shaped portion, and the third X-shaped portion protrude to provide ground traction.
 19. The golf shoe of claim 16, wherein the skeletal frame is fabricated from a rigid material, forms a transverse groove for flexibility under a metatarsal area, and extends above the midsole and onto the upper to form a heel cup.
 20. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the fabric is a puncture resistant, woven flexible fabric. 